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Multiple-Meaning Words

A multiple-meaning word is spelled and said the same way but means different things: a bat flies at night, and you hit a ball with a bat. Context is the only clue, which is why these words are such good reading practice.

Here are 124 multiple-meaning words from past ClueBy puzzles, each with a real example sentence for every meaning. Use them as a reference, or make a printable worksheet below.

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Students read each sentence and write the missing word. Every word appears in several sentences, each time with a different meaning.

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Multiple-Meaning Words

Name: ____________________Date: __________

Write the missing word in each sentence. Each word is used more than once, with a different meaning each time.

  1. Borders were drawn on the map using a ________________, with no regard for cultural realities on the ground.
  2. A ________________ is a veil over the lips.
  3. The ________________ change colour in autumn.
  4. A ________________ helps one to draw a straight line.
  5. This ________________ always watches out for its own interests.
  6. He keeps ________________ of his days.
  7. The dagger's metal was presumably from the same meteor ________________.
  8. Tom opened a ________________ of soup.
  9. He's taking a ________________ right now.
  10. The people resisted their cruel ________________.
  11. Is it always a sin to tell a ________________?
  12. She took a metal box from the top of the kitchen ________________.
  13. What do you think of the new ________________?
  14. He always ________________ the window open while he sleeps.
  15. The muddy ________________ descends to a valley.
  16. This is my favorite ________________ on the album.
  17. In all probability, the ________________ will fall.
  18. Tiny blossoms have come out all over the river ________________.
  19. The train ________________ at six o'clock.
  20. ________________ you help me carry this box?
  21. The hunter does not ________________ down with the prey.
  22. We took cover from the thunder ________________.
  23. Recycle the empty soda ________________.
  24. I'm going to the ________________ to withdraw money.

Sentences from ClueBy, Tatoeba (CC BY 2.0 FR) and Common Voice (CC0). clueby.com

Answer key

  1. ruler — for measuring
  2. lie — an untruth
  3. leaves — of a tree
  4. ruler — for measuring
  5. bank — for money
  6. track — to keep track
  7. shower — a meteor shower
  8. can — a tin
  9. shower — to wash
  10. ruler — a monarch
  11. lie — an untruth
  12. cabinet — a cupboard
  13. cabinet — ministers
  14. leaves — lets stay
  15. track — a path
  16. track — a song
  17. cabinet — ministers
  18. bank — of a river
  19. leaves — to go away
  20. can — to be able to
  21. lie — to recline
  22. shower — rain
  23. can — a tin
  24. bank — for money

Multiple-meaning words list

Tick up to 10 words to build a worksheet with just those words.

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Frequently asked questions

What are multiple-meaning words?

Words with the same spelling and pronunciation but more than one meaning, like bark (of a dog or of a tree) or bank (for money or of a river). You can only tell which meaning is meant from the rest of the sentence.

Are multiple-meaning words the same as homonyms?

Mostly, yes. Teachers often use "multiple-meaning words" and "homonyms" for the same idea. Homophones are different: they sound alike but are spelled differently, like flour and flower.

Are the worksheets free?

Yes. Make and print as many as you like for home or classroom use. Each sheet has its own link, so you can print the same one again.

Where do the words come from?

From past ClueBy puzzles, a daily game where you sort twelve sentences by their missing word. A new puzzle every day adds four more words to this list.

Sentences from ClueBy, Tatoeba (CC BY 2.0 FR) and Common Voice (CC0). clueby.com